Ethnic literature awards celebrate national diversity

Held at the Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Center in the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region on Nov 16, and hosted by the China Writers Association, the 2024 China Literature Gala: Junma Awards Night, celebrated the achievements of ethnic literature. In all, 25 works of literature and five translators were recognized.

Among the winners was Ma Boyong, whose 2022 novel Da Yi (The Great Doctor), an exploration of modern Chinese medicine, won in the novel category.

"This is the first time I've chosen modern Chinese history as a central theme, particularly the evolution of Chinese medical care. During my research, I found inspiring stories about the first generation of philanthropic doctors. They were the pioneers, and their work deserves to be remembered, introduced to readers in a way that resonates," Ma Boyong said, reflecting on his book.

He then spoke of his personal connection to the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region.

Although he was born in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, Ma Boyong grew up in Guilin, a famous tourist city in the region, and his time there left an indelible mark. "I'm not visiting here, I'm returning home," he said.

"As an ethnic writer, I believe every group has its own uniqueness, but we are all part of the larger Chinese identity. It's within this shared memory that we find unity. By exploring our collective history, we can uncover a powerful source of strength," he added.

This year's Junma Awards welcomed Mo Yan, Nobel laureate in literature, as presidium member. Mo Yan praised Guangxi's literary contributions, emphasizing the deep influence of its culture on the national literary landscape.